Date Posted: 2012-07-11 03:20:19
Site Posted: Myproperty.ph
Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming time for anyone, and for some, their list of things to do seems to have so much more than they know how to accomplish. If there’s anything that you shouldn’t forget on your list when moving to a rental, however, it’s the importance of reading your lease agreement thoroughly.
Being careful about going over the agreement of your apartment for rent ensures that you won’t do anything that will be in violation of the landlord’s rules, and that the landlord won’t take advantage of you. Here are some things that you should remember to check for before signing the lease.
1. Check if the lease contains the deposit amount that you agreed to, when you can get it back and what grounds he might have for not returning it to you.
2. Find out exactly when you’re supposed to pay the rent, as well as who should receive it. Also, determine if the landlord charges extra for late payments, and what he considers to be late.
3. See if the rent includes anything else other than just the rent of the unit, such as utilities, appliances and parking.
4. Find out if there are additional payments for the use of amenities such as the gym or the pool. In addition, check if you are required to pay for their maintenance even if you don’t use them.
5. If you have a pet and the landlord allows you to keep it with you in the apartment, see if the lease indicates that you need to pay an additional deposit for keeping your pet.
6. Check if the lease has any rules against having a roommate in case you see yourself having to share expenses with someone in the future.
7. Find out what the lease covers in terms of repairs and maintenance. In case a needed repair is not included in the lease, who will take care of it and how much are you supposed to pay for it?
No matter how crazy things get while you’re going through the move, don’t neglect your responsibility of reading and understanding your lease agreement fully before signing it. Doing so will make sure that you’ll have a great relationship with your landlord, and will also guarantee that your rights as a renter won’t be abused.
Jillian Cariola, Writer
(cover image by Stacey Alexander)
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